When we say essential, we mean ESSENTIAL. Living in the modern times in one of the country’s biggest tech hubs has its perks. Most everything is made easy by an app that can be downloaded through every Android or iPhone. Here are some of Rebecca’s top picks:

Lyft & Uber: Both are changing the way people commute through car sharing. Pay sometimes less than a cab ride for essentially the same thing. With Lyft even offering Lyft Line where you can share your ride with another commuter and split the predetermined lower rate, how can you say no? Another thing that distinguishes these apps over a cab ride is you get to know and see who’s picking you up. Yes, plate number and all.

GetAround: Don’t necessarily want to be chauffeured around but need a car to run several small errands? GetAround is the app for you. You can rent a car for a couple of hours, even a whole day or rent out your own car for additional income.

511 SF Bay Transit App: Muni, bus and BART still your top mode of transportation? Learn live schedules and view routes with this app.

Detour: Gives an audio tour of iconic San Francisco hot spots. Pretty nifty for the San Franciscan sight-seeing wanderlust.

EAT24: Now integrated with Yelp, you can order for pickup or delivery, even late nights. Search restaurant reviews in app and see what’s available through their sorted lists.

MiniBar: Party for 2 or 20 but don’t really have the time nor desire to go for a liquor run? Well, this one’s for you.

Washio: On..demand..laundry..and…dry cleaning. Enough said.

Homejoy: See Washio, only it’s for your whole apartment and not just laundry.

PostMates: Any food and local goods errands you can’t run for whatever life reasons (or general laziness), you can hire a PostMate to do it for you.

TaskRabbit: A wider spectrum of errands and tasks can be assigned to a taskrabbit through the app. Pay per project or by the hour.

Rover: Find your next dog walker here.

Treat: In-home veterinary services. What?! Yes, in-home.

Did we miss any and have one you recommend? Let us know or leave a link below.

The Noise Pop Festival is San Francisco’s favorite indie music, art and film festival. Now in its 24th year, Noise Pop has brought early exposure to many emerging artists in the Bay Area and beyond, many of whom have gone on to widespread acclaim like the White Stripes, Modest Mouse, The Flaming Lips, Death Cab for Cutie, The Shins, Bright Eyes, and more. In addition, the festival boasts a film series that explores the intersection of music and art; the Noise Pop Headquarters (NPHQ); art gallery shows; happy hours and much more.

Held once every four years, the Fine Arts Gallery at San Francisco State University is proud to showcase artwork produced by their talented faculty members. Please join them for their opening reception on Tuesday, February 23rd from 4-6 pm for free food, a preview of new choreography by the School of Theater and Dance, and of course the stunning artwork of their faculty members.

After a two-year expansion, SFMOMA steps back onto the world stage this May as the largest contemporary art museum in the country. As Chief Curator of Architecture and Design, Jennifer Dunlop Fletcher helps drive the global design conversation and heads a collection of pivotal works that influence contemporary culture.

Explore extreme weather and its impact on the planet with expert talks, art demonstrations, and more. Don’t miss your chance to don a pair of 3D glasses for the Academy’s all-new show 3D Earth: Rainforests, playing in the Forum Theater.

OK as Bay Area residents, we can’t really complain about our winter. There’s no sub-zero temperatures, snow shoveling and really- no excuse to stay indoors. We have it easy. But we all know there’s something about Spring and the feeling of it approaching that makes us plan and want to celebrate even if Winter wasn’t bad at all. Locals and tourists alike, there’s a multitude of things to do in the Bay Area for Spring.

Through the Railroads

Have never been on a old-timey railroad train ride? You’ve got tons of options in the Bay.

The Skunk Train which chugs through dense redwood forest in Mendocino to Roaring Camp Railroad offers two routes: the Redwood Forest Steam Train and the Santa Cruz Beach Train.

The Napa Valley Wine Train. because well, wine. Oh and train, too.

Amtrak’s Capitol Corridor is a popular choice for visiting Sacramento.

Find the Whales

Whales migrate north along the California coast. Some of the best viewing is on board a special whale watching excursion and we have great options. To the south Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz are a hub for whale watching and to the north visitors flock to Pt. Reyes and Sonoma.

Oceanic Society
S.F. Bay Whale Watching
San Francisco Whale Tours

Wine, Dine, Spa: Napa and Calistoga

This one does need an intro nor an explanation. Come on, it’s Napa! Here are some suggestions, though:

Wine: Everywhere

Dine: French Laundry, Bouchon

Spa: Calistoga Hot Springs

Go On, Chase That Waterfall.

Hiking is already way too much fun for the outdoorsy kind. But hiking with a mission? That’s jackpot. There are several waterfalls found through hiking trails in and around San Francisco. With the help of some planning aka Google, you can make this your mission!